Greek landing day is June 22

The 239th anniversary of Greek Landing Day will be celebrated with services and festivities on June 22-24 at the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine.

The annual Greek Landing Day celebration commemorates the landing in St.

Augustine on June 26, 1768, of the Turnbull colonists who attempted to found a new colony on the site of today's New Smyrna Beach. Nearly 500 of these colonists were Greeks. They constitute the first such settlement of Greeks and other persons of Corsica, Minorca and Italy.

As part of this year's festivities, St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine will host a book signing from 5 to 6:30 p.m. June 23 in the Constantine Sisters Courtyard at the historic Avero House at 41 St. George St. in the Colonial Spanish Quarter.Samplings of baklava and chamomile tea will be served.

The recipe for the baklava comes from the cookbook OPA!, and though its author is Elizabeth Lazarides White, the book is describe as the sum of love and influence of two generations upon one very talented culinary artist.

First United Methodist Church will dedicate its new organ at a special service at 11 a.m. Sunday. The new organ was installed in March of this year.

The service will showcase the capabilities of the instrument and will include organ works performed by John Dean, organist-choir director of the church, along with well-loved congregational hymns and anthems sung by the adult choir of the church.

Dr. Pat Turner-Sharpton will lead the dedication ceremony. There will be a reception in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

All are invited and encouraged to attend.

Music festival

The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine will sponsor a music festival Monday through June 15, featuring five evenings of chamber music presented in the Cathedral at no charge.

The Cathedral is serving as host/sponsor for this event spearheaded by Charismatic musician Jorge Pena, Jacksonville, a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.

Christian congress

St. Johns River Baptist Association Congress of Christian Education continues Tuesday through June 15. The opening is Tuesday at the T.L. Holtz building, Hastings.

June 13-15 youth will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Hastings. Theme is "The Heavenly Vision and the music of the church."

Theme scripture is Ephesians 5:19.

Youth enrichment on a daily schedule Wednesday through Friday includes devotion/roll call from 5:30 to 6 p.m.; and departmental studies from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Refreshments follow from 7:15 to 7:30 p.m. with return to general assembly at the Holtz building.